WordLens

go on

1 of 2verb
/ˈɡoʊ ˈɑn/
Forms:goes on,going on,went on,gone on
1

to continue without stopping

B1
  • The marathon runners were determined to go on despite the rain.
  • She didn't let the interruptions distract her and simply went on with her presentation.
  • The teacher encouraged the students to go on with their reading, even if they came across difficult words.
  • The construction work will go on until the project is completed.
  • She told him to go on with his studies and not let setbacks deter him.
Antonyms:
2

to come to be or to happen

  • I'm not sure what's going on with all the commotion outside.
  • Is there anything unusual going on in the neighborhood lately?
  • The party is scheduled to go on this weekend, rain or shine.
  • The wedding will go on as planned, despite the rain.
  • Can you tell me what's going on with the construction work next door?
3

to start operating or functioning

  • The lights went out during the storm, but the backup generator went on immediately.
  • When you press the start button, the engine should go on without any issues.
  • I waited for the coffee machine to go on and brew a fresh pot.
  • The heating system goes on automatically when the temperature drops below a certain level.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
4

(of a performer) to begin their performance

  • The lead actor's character doesn't go on until the second act of the play.
  • The band is scheduled to go on at 8 PM and play until midnight.
  • The singer is the closing act, so she goes on last for the grand finale.
  • The main speaker will go on last, after the panel discussion.
  • The stand-up comedy show starts at 9 PM, and each comedian goes on one after the other
5

(in sports) to enter a game as a substitute during a match

  • The star striker went on for the injured player to help the team maintain their lead.
  • The young talent was eager for a chance to go on and prove himself in his first professional game.
  • He was called to go on as a substitute in the second half to bolster the team's defense.
  • In a surprising move, the rookie player went on for the veteran captain to bring fresh energy to the game.
6

(of time) to move forward or pass without stopping

  • As the years went on, he gained more experience and wisdom.
  • The party was a hit, and as the night went on, the atmosphere became livelier.
  • As the seasons went on, the landscape transformed from lush green to the vibrant colors of autumn.
  • He became increasingly skilled at the game as the hours went on.
7

to talk about a person or subject at length, often in a tedious or complaining manner

  • She tends to go on about her health issues, and it can be quite tiresome to listen to.
  • He went on for hours about his work problems, and I couldn't get a word in edgewise.
  • During the lecture, the professor went on for what felt like hours.
  • She went on and on about her trip, but after a while, I lost interest in hearing about every detail.
  • Bob tends to go on when discussing his collection of antique books.
8

to pass to doing something, particularly once one has finished doing something else

transitive
  • After the meeting, she will go on to prepare a report.
  • He went on to establish a successful tech startup after graduating from college.
  • After finishing his meal, he went on to order dessert.
  • She completed her homework and went on to watch a movie.
  • He went on to work on a new project after completing the previous one.